Police: Drunk Driver Drags Lincoln Deputy With Car

(WCNC) LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. -- A suspected drunk driver dragged a Lincoln County sergeant with his car during a traffic stop, the sheriff's office says.

It started Tuesday night aro

und 11:30 on Highway 73.

A deputy attempted to pull over the driver for allegedly failing to stop at a red light at Highway 16. Police say the man, identified as 20-year-old Jake Ellis Nelson of Sherills Ford, sped away down South Little Egypt Road and nearly lost control. Nelson stopped when he reached a dead end in the road.

Nelson refused to roll down his window when a deputy approached the vehicle, according to the sheriff's office. He finally put down the window partially, which is when the deputy says he smelled alcohol.

Sergeant J. Brown arrived on scene to assist and says Nelson wouldn't get out of the car when told to do so. Sgt. Brown stuck his arm into the partially opened window to unlock the door, and then attempted to remove Nelson. That's when police say the suspect shut the car door on the sergeant, shifted the gear into drive and slowly rolled the vehicle. He allegedly dragged Sgt. Brown's feet and legs on the ground for about 40 feet. The sheriff's office says he only stopped because the sergeant accessed his taser and used the tool on Nelson.

The driver also allegedly spit blood on Sgt. Brown during the incident.

Officers struggled with Nelson until they could put on the handcuffs.

Sgt. Brown did not suffer serious injuries but police say the roadway scraped away all leather from the toe of his boots.

Nelson refused any treatment, and chose not to take a breath test. Police tested his alcohol content by gaining a warrant to draw blood.

The suspect faces a gamut of charges including assault on a government official, assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer and DWI. He was booked into jail under an $18,000 secured bond.